Ed Miliband Urges the Labour Party to Focus Forward Following Starmer Offers Apology to Streeting for Hostile Media Leaks
Senior Labour Party figure Ed Miliband has urged the party to move beyond internal tensions after PM Sir Keir Starmer directly apologised to Health Secretary Wes Streeting over negative leaked comments originating from Downing Street.
Important Events
- Ed Miliband states the Prime Minister will sack the Downing Street staffer behind for targeting Streeting if discovered
- Miliband dismisses any party leader ambitions, stating his past experience as leader was the "strongest protection" against wanting the role again
- British economic growth grew by just 0.1 percent in the third quarter, impacted by the Jaguar Land Rover security breach
Situation
The political controversy began after reports emerged about critical briefings from the Prime Minister's allies targeting Streeting. Although early attempts to downplay the situation, the conversation between Starmer and the health minister apparently followed a different turn.
The Prime Minister expressed regret to Wes Streeting, journalists have been advised. The exchange was short, and they did not discuss Morgan McSweeney, whom the PM is now under pressure to remove.
Miliband's Statement
In his early morning media appearances, Miliband stressed the need for the party to focus on national priorities rather than internal conflicts.
Clearly, I think the media briefing has been damaging, no question.
But my call to the Labour members today is clear, which is we need to concentrate on the country, not ourselves.
We were given a major victory last summer, a historic chance to transform our country. And we have a serious obligation.
Growth Update
Meanwhile, government statistics indicated the UK economy increased by just 0.1% in the third quarter, with the manufacturing sector especially impacted by the recent Jaguar Land Rover hack.
The Day's Agenda
- 9.30am: NHS England publishes its monthly data
- Today: Wes Streeting visits the Liverpool area
- Morning: The Chancellor speaks to the media
- Late morning: Number 10 conducts its daily lobby briefing
- Morning: The Prime Minister highlights plans for the Britain's first nuclear power plant at Wylfa on Anglesey